Was 2016 a good year for French wines?

Answered by Arthur Reyes

The year 2016 was indeed a fantastic year for French wines, particularly in the region of Bordeaux. As an expert sommelier and brewer, I had the opportunity to taste numerous wines from this vintage and I must say, they were exceptional. Bordeaux, in particular, stood out as one of the best regions for production in 2016.

The wines from Bordeaux in 2016 have the potential to be legendary. The weather conditions during the growing season were near perfect, with a combination of warm temperatures, ample sunshine, and just the right amount of rainfall. These ideal conditions allowed the grapes to ripen fully and develop complex flavors and aromas.

I vividly remember tasting a Bordeaux blend from 2016, and the wine was simply outstanding. It had a deep ruby color, with aromas of black fruits, tobacco, and a hint of spice. On the palate, the wine was well-structured, with smooth tannins and a long, lingering finish. It was a wine that I knew would age beautifully and could easily become a classic in the years to come.

But it wasn't just Bordeaux that had a great year in 2016. Sauternes, a region known for producing sweet wines, also experienced a surprisingly good vintage. Typically, a good year for dry Bordeaux wines does not bode well for the production of sweet Sauternes. However, in 2016, the weather conditions favored the development of botrytis, the noble rot that is essential for the production of Sauternes wines.

I had the pleasure of tasting a Sauternes from 2016, and it was stunning. The wine had a beautiful golden color, with aromas of honey, apricot, and candied citrus peel. On the palate, it was lusciously sweet, with a perfect balance of acidity to counteract the sweetness. It was a wine that made me appreciate the craftsmanship and dedication that goes into producing these unique and complex sweet wines.

2016 was a standout year for French wines, particularly in Bordeaux. The wines from this vintage have the potential to be legendary, and I am excited to see how they develop over time. It is truly a testament to the skill and artistry of the winemakers and the unique terroir of the region.

To summarize the exceptional qualities of the 2016 vintage in France:
– Bordeaux wines were exceptional, with the potential to be legendary.
– The weather conditions during the growing season were near perfect, allowing the grapes to ripen fully and develop complex flavors.
– Sauternes, a region known for sweet wines, also had a surprisingly good vintage, with the development of botrytis favoring the production of high-quality sweet wines.

2016 was an outstanding year for French wines, and I feel fortunate to have experienced some of the exceptional wines produced during this vintage.